The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is proud to announce that Professor Haitham Amal is among a large $17M grant consortium for pioneering autism research. This grant is part of an American funding initiative awarded by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), aimed at advancing cutting-edge autism studies.
A world-renowned expert in nitric oxide and brain disorders, Professor Amal has made groundbreaking discoveries in autism research. His team was the first to identify a direct link between nitric oxide levels in the brain and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a finding with profound implications for the understanding and treatment of ASD.
Professor Amal’s laboratory is the only research facility outside the United States selected to participate in this crucial project. The international consortium, which includes top researchers led by Prof Lipton from the Scripps Institute at San Diego, is dedicated to unraveling the molecular mechanisms driving ASD.
This substantial grant will fuel Professor Amal’s ongoing work in the discovery of biomarkers and potential treatments for ASD. The grant will focus on how air pollution and environmental factors may lead to ASD.
With autism rates currently affecting one in 30 births in the U.S. and one in 50 in Israel, this research offers hope for more effective diagnostic tools and innovative treatment options. Professor Amal’s interdisciplinary approach—utilizing OMICS technology, systems biology and a range of biochemical, pharmacological, and behavioral methods—positions him at the forefront of autism research.
The Hebrew University is honoured to have Professor Amal as part of its esteemed faculty and eagerly anticipates the transformative impact this research will have on individuals and families affected by autism around the world.
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is Israel’s premier academic and research institution. With over 23,000 students from 90 countries, it is a hub for advancing scientific knowledge and holds a significant role in Israel’s civilian scientific research output, accounting for nearly 40% of it and has registered over 11,000 patents. The university’s faculty and alumni have earned eight Nobel Prizes, two Turing Awards a Fields Medal, underscoring their contributions to ground-breaking discoveries. In the global arena, the Hebrew University ranks 81st according to the Shanghai Ranking. To learn more about the university’s academic programs, research initiatives, and achievements, visit the official website at http://new.huji.ac.il/en